Our Story
Treehouse Therapies opened in August 2013. Its inception was initiated by Christen Eby, PT. When Christen moved to Bend in 2005 she was surprised at the lack of pediatric therapy services that existed in Central Oregon. After experiencing pediatric therapy in two different states it was clear that Oregon and more specifically Central Oregon was significantly lacking in therapy services for children. And even though Central Oregon is a very desirable place to live, for families with children with disabilities it was less than ideal.
Upon moving here, Christen went to work for an outpatient physical therapy clinic that focused primarily on adults, but saw some children. After several years of working for that “for profit” clinic, the clinic stopped accepting Medicaid or state insurance programs (OHP) as the reimbursement rates were far below the actual cost of therapy. This presented a significant problem as the majority of children in need of pediatric therapy have OHP insurance. Over the years of working in Central Oregon, Christen was also frustrated that there were little to no options for kids in need of speech or occupational therapy services.
Knowing that many children with special needs require a combination of therapy services and that therapist need to work as a team to maximize the already significantly limited therapy benefits offered by insurance organizations, it was clear that something needed to be done. It became Christen’s mission to create a non profit pediatric therapy clinic.
Christen reached our to other therapists in our community and organized a team of passionate therapists also interested in building a multidisciplinary clinic that focused on filling the therapy needs of children in our community.
With the help of our amazing team of therapists Treehouse Therapies has been able to open and in so doing begin our mission to positively impact the children and families of our community by providing compassionate, comprehensive and affordable therapy programs for all children regardless of their ability to pay. Through our efforts we hope to help make Central Oregon a desirable place for everyone to live, most especially for children and families with special needs.
Upon moving here, Christen went to work for an outpatient physical therapy clinic that focused primarily on adults, but saw some children. After several years of working for that “for profit” clinic, the clinic stopped accepting Medicaid or state insurance programs (OHP) as the reimbursement rates were far below the actual cost of therapy. This presented a significant problem as the majority of children in need of pediatric therapy have OHP insurance. Over the years of working in Central Oregon, Christen was also frustrated that there were little to no options for kids in need of speech or occupational therapy services.
Knowing that many children with special needs require a combination of therapy services and that therapist need to work as a team to maximize the already significantly limited therapy benefits offered by insurance organizations, it was clear that something needed to be done. It became Christen’s mission to create a non profit pediatric therapy clinic.
Christen reached our to other therapists in our community and organized a team of passionate therapists also interested in building a multidisciplinary clinic that focused on filling the therapy needs of children in our community.
With the help of our amazing team of therapists Treehouse Therapies has been able to open and in so doing begin our mission to positively impact the children and families of our community by providing compassionate, comprehensive and affordable therapy programs for all children regardless of their ability to pay. Through our efforts we hope to help make Central Oregon a desirable place for everyone to live, most especially for children and families with special needs.
Parent TEstimonies
“I cannot express enough the appreciation that I have towards Treehouse. My son is developing physically with better motor skills and strength. He would not have had this opportunity to participate in therapy anywhere else here in Bend if we had used up all of his therapy visits for the year. Again, I am so thankful that Treehouse has given us the scholarships to continue my son’s therapy.” – Mother of a Treehouse Therapies client
“My son, “Chris,” has cerebral palsy. He is…limited in many sports due to his disability. This limitation causes a great deal of emotional pain for him. He just wants to fit in. Treehouse has helped to alleviate some of this frustration while also helping him to get stronger and learn to manipulate his body to do the things he wants to do. When “Chris” is at Treehouse, nothing else matters. He gains confidence from being able to complete the day’s obstacle course. Hearing his excitement as he tells me about his accomplishments and what he overcame that day gives me the most incredible feeling. In addition to his growing confidence, he is physically getting stronger. Our family has seen amazing growth in “Chris” since he started at Treehouse. He is now able to catch a ball, briefly stand on his own, climb onto swings, get his socks on and off by himself, pull his pants up… and much more. “Chris” is very stubborn, and both physical and occupational therapy are a lot of work. During sessions, “Chris” is often pushed out of his comfort zone… All kids deserve to have something that makes them stronger both mentally and physically…When asked why he loves Treehouse, “Chris” exclaimed, “It never gets boring!” Our family feels so blessed that “Chris” is an active participant at Treehouse Therapies.” -Mother of a Treehouse Therapies client
“My daughter… slowly lost all of her learned abilities to walk and talk [around] age 2. We came into Treehouse after her previous therapist retired, and it was the best move we could have made. Christen [a physical therapist] was so diligent to take every precaution with [my daughter] and her unique needs. She knew that water therapy would be the best for her and made sure that she was always seen in the pool… With the help of Christen, Treehouse, and the scholarship fund, [my daughter] is able to be seen on a weekly basis, regardless of our insurance. [She] loves her days in the pool, by far her best day of the week! She can relax, her muscles loosen and she isn't having spasms; she knows she's safe. There's something truly spiritual about watching [my daughter] in the pool really let go. As a mom, I know that [she] is always in good hands at Treehouse.” - Mother of a Treehouse Therapies client
“My son, “Chris,” has cerebral palsy. He is…limited in many sports due to his disability. This limitation causes a great deal of emotional pain for him. He just wants to fit in. Treehouse has helped to alleviate some of this frustration while also helping him to get stronger and learn to manipulate his body to do the things he wants to do. When “Chris” is at Treehouse, nothing else matters. He gains confidence from being able to complete the day’s obstacle course. Hearing his excitement as he tells me about his accomplishments and what he overcame that day gives me the most incredible feeling. In addition to his growing confidence, he is physically getting stronger. Our family has seen amazing growth in “Chris” since he started at Treehouse. He is now able to catch a ball, briefly stand on his own, climb onto swings, get his socks on and off by himself, pull his pants up… and much more. “Chris” is very stubborn, and both physical and occupational therapy are a lot of work. During sessions, “Chris” is often pushed out of his comfort zone… All kids deserve to have something that makes them stronger both mentally and physically…When asked why he loves Treehouse, “Chris” exclaimed, “It never gets boring!” Our family feels so blessed that “Chris” is an active participant at Treehouse Therapies.” -Mother of a Treehouse Therapies client
“My daughter… slowly lost all of her learned abilities to walk and talk [around] age 2. We came into Treehouse after her previous therapist retired, and it was the best move we could have made. Christen [a physical therapist] was so diligent to take every precaution with [my daughter] and her unique needs. She knew that water therapy would be the best for her and made sure that she was always seen in the pool… With the help of Christen, Treehouse, and the scholarship fund, [my daughter] is able to be seen on a weekly basis, regardless of our insurance. [She] loves her days in the pool, by far her best day of the week! She can relax, her muscles loosen and she isn't having spasms; she knows she's safe. There's something truly spiritual about watching [my daughter] in the pool really let go. As a mom, I know that [she] is always in good hands at Treehouse.” - Mother of a Treehouse Therapies client